Supermarket workers and janitors take their demands to the street

Whether the chant was “We work! We sweat! We want more on our check!” or “Si se puede!” the message was the same as supermarket workers in Maryland and Virginia and janitors in DC rallied and marched across the region Thursday afternoon. “Giant’s parent company made $2 billion last year alone,” said UFCW 400, whose members marched in Camp Springs, MD and Sterling, VA. “It’s time to share that success with the workers who make it happen!” “Going on strike is not a decision we take lightly,” said SEIU 32BJ member and D.C. janitor Maylin Portillo, as hundreds of janitors marched through downtown DC rush-hour traffic, “but we will do whatever’s necessary to support our families. I’m struggling to pay the rent and support my grandparents who rely on me.” The janitors’ contract expires Oct. 15; the Giant and Safeway contracts expire October 26. - report/photos by Chris Garlock